Polonezköy, Şile and Ağva: A Stop-by-Stop Day Trip Route Guide

Polonezköy, Şile and Ağva can be visited on a single day trip route: a village breakfast near Polonezköy in the morning, the lighthouse, castle and Ağlayan Kaya in Şile towards midday, and a meal by the river and free time in Ağva in the afternoon. The route combines the forest, sea and river scenery north of Istanbul in a single day. You return to Istanbul in the evening; knowing the road and the stops in advance makes the day much more relaxed.

The logic of the route

These three places lie along a wooded stretch running north towards the Black Sea on Istanbul's Asian side. The route moves from inland towards the coast: first Polonezköy in the forest, then Şile on the Black Sea coast, and finally Ağva, where two rivers meet the sea. The way back also passes through villages near the coast. This order avoids needless detours and carries the rhythm of the day from a calm morning to a lively afternoon.

Stop 1: Village breakfast and Polonezköy

The day starts with a village breakfast in Cumhuriyet Köyü. After the morning drive, the village breakfast gives the group both energy and a relaxed start, and it is included in the programme.

Then you move on to Polonezköy. Polonezköy is a village founded by Polish immigrants in the 19th century, and this origin can still be felt in its architecture and culture today. The programme includes a visit to the Polonezköy Culture House; this small venue telling the story and history of the village is the cultural stop on the route. The village's Church of the Virgin Mary is seen as a panoramic stop, that is, from the outside.

Stop 2: Şile

After Polonezköy, you head down to Şile on the Black Sea coast. In Şile, three spots are visited:

• Ağlayan Kaya (Weeping Rock): A natural formation named after the water seeping between its rocks.
• Şile Lighthouse: A historic lighthouse on a hill overlooking the coast, regarded as the symbol of Şile.
• Şile Castle: A historic castle on a small islet in the sea. The view of it from the shore is one of the most photographed sights in the district.

After these spots, there is free time in Şile centre. You can use this time to walk along the beach, wander around the market or look at products made of Şile cloth. Şile cloth is a light, finely woven cotton fabric named after the district, and a handicraft closely identified with the area.

Stop 3: Ağva

The last major stop on the route is Ağva. Ağva is a seaside town where the Göksu and Yeşilçay rivers meet the sea, which is why it is also called "the village between two rivers". The tree-lined riverbanks give the town a calm atmosphere that sets it apart from other places on the Black Sea coast.

There is a lunch break in Ağva. The programme includes a lunch break in Ağva; whether a group menu is added to the package is confirmed at the quote stage.

An optional boat trip on the Göksu River is available. This short boat trip, gliding between the trees along the river, is an extra service. Then there is free time in Ağva.

Return: Mavi Koy and Akçakese

On the way back there are photo stops at Mavi Koy (Blue Cove) and Akçakese village. Close to sunset, these stops on the coast are among the quietest and most photogenic moments of the day. The programme ends with arrival in Istanbul at around 20:30 in the evening.

The route at a glance

1. Departure for Polonezköy
2. Village breakfast in Cumhuriyet Köyü
3. Polonezköy Culture House; Church of the Virgin Mary (from outside)
4. Şile: Weeping Rock, Şile Lighthouse, Şile Castle and free time in the centre
5. Lunch break in Ağva
6. Optional Göksu River boat trip and free time
7. Photo stop at Mavi Koy and Akçakese village
8. Evening arrival in Istanbul

You can find the full programme on the Polonezköy, Şile and Ağva Tour page. If you are wondering when to do this route and how to prepare, take a look at our seasons and preparation guide.

Who is it for?

The route is planned for families, company groups and nature-loving travellers. As it lasts a full day and the return is in the evening, families with young children should take the length of the day into account. It is also a popular company outing: a village breakfast, a meal by the sea and free time by the river make for a relaxed social day for the team.

The best photo spots

There are many places along the route where you will want to stop for photos. In Şile, photographing the islet with the castle from the shore, with the sea in the background, is the district's classic shot. The area around the lighthouse offers wide sea views. In Ağva, the trees on the riverbank and the boats reflected in the water make a calm composition. On the way back, the stop at Mavi Koy and Akçakese is ideal for catching the last light of the day. Using your phone battery sparingly during the day means you will not have regrets at this last stop.

To keep the group together at photo stops, it also helps to confirm the meeting time at each stop and find out where the coach will wait. This information is especially important during free time in Şile centre. It is also a good idea to agree a meeting place in advance for those not joining the boat trip in Ağva.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Polonezköy, Şile and Ağva in one day?

Yes. Our tour starts with Polonezköy in the morning, continues to Ağva after Şile and ends with the return to Istanbul in the evening.

Is breakfast included in the tour?

Yes, a village breakfast in Cumhuriyet Köyü is included in the programme.

Is lunch in Ağva included?

The programme includes a lunch break in Ağva. Whether a group menu is added to the package is confirmed at the quotation stage.

Is the Göksu River boat trip included in the programme?

The boat trip is optional and is an extra service.